Determined to support the community, Mrs Huynh Thi Le, Chairwoman of the An Trung 1A Women’s Union in An Hai Tay Ward, Son Tra District, Da Nang, is renowned for her dedication and commitment to the people. Many community members describe her as someone who takes joy in their happiness, making it her life's mission.

Mrs Huynh Thi Le (left, fifth) along with members of the An Trung 1A Women's Union presenting essential goods to the community through the “Vitamin Happiness” model.

For over ten years, Mrs Huynh Thi Le has acted as an active member of the An Trung 1A Women’s Union. She and other union members have effectively implemented various programmes and movements initiated by the Women’s Unions at all levels. These include campaigns like “Five No’s and Three Clean’s” and clean-up operations, encouraging families to comply with legal regulations, organising modest and efficient funeral arrangements, and creating cultural environment models.

Additionally, she has effectively organised activities focused on environmental protection and social welfare within both the community and An Hai Tay Ward.

Moreover, she has proactively encouraged members and residents to sort waste at its source, facilitating easier collection and processing, protecting the living environment, and generating income to support charitable activities.

The plastic waste collection initiative led by the union has been in place for nearly seven years and has achieved excellent results. Each month, members gather to collect recyclable waste, guide residents to sort it into four categories, including organic waste, reusable waste (plastic bottles, packaging, paper, and metal), hazardous waste (batteries, pesticide containers), and other non-biodegradable waste. Members use organic waste to produce compost for growing vegetables and nurturing ornamental plants, while hazardous waste is handed over directly to environmental staff, and other waste is disposed of correctly.

Mrs Nguyen Thi Phuong, a 55-year-old member of the An Trung 1A Women’s Union, shared that the ‘Waste Collection’ model and the ‘Vitamin Happiness’ initiative have been championed by Mrs Le for a long time, receiving widespread support from members and the community. These initiatives contribute not only to ensuring a cleaner living environment for residents but also to creating a fund to assist those in need. Mrs Le is incredibly responsible in her work for the Union and the community.”

The income generated from selling plastic waste has exceeded VND 30 million annually, allowing the members to provide gifts for underprivileged children, prepare meals for the elderly and orphaned children at social care facilities, and assist members facing difficulties.

“The union not only sells recycled waste to raise funds but also supports disabled women, impoverished households, and single mothers within our union and neighbouring ones. We also established the ‘Vitamin Happiness’ model in 2021, where on the last day of each month, we distribute nearly 100 gifts of vegetables, rice, cooking oil, and seasoning, to low-income workers, lottery ticket sellers, taxi drivers, recyclers, and street vendors,” Mrs Le explained.

While distributing the union’s gifts to the underprivileged, Mrs Nguyen Thi Phu Quy, 44, reflected “All of us have our own jobs, but we gather at the end of the month to sort the waste and sell it to buy essential items for those in need. We feel happy doing something meaningful and hope to increase our waste collection and double or triple the number of gifts we provide.”

Since the ‘Vitamin Happiness’ model was launched, members of the An Trung 1A Women’s Union have reportedly donated nearly 500 gifts, totalling over VND 100 million, to the community. These gifts have eased the hardships faced by those in difficult circumstances.

According to Mrs Nguyen Thi Hong My Le Dung, Chairwoman of the An Hai Tay Ward Women’s Union, Mrs Huynh Thi Le is deeply committed to her work and is empathetic towards children in need, the elderly, and those who are sick. She actively connects and mobilises resources to reach out to the community and spread love and compassion.

Reporting by MIEN THAO - Translating by TRUC VY